Ken left his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama at 17 years of age to attend Interlochen Arts Academy for his final year of high school, immediately after which he began attending the University of North Texas. He later continued his formal studies at Manhattan School of Music.

In addition to receiving formal education from Interlochen, North Texas & Manhattan School of Music, Watters spent a summer working with Kenny Wheeler at The Banff Centre & has studied privately with Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, David Liebman & Jack Walrath (among others).

Watters & his wife Pamela, a professional pastel artist, now split their home between Huntsville & Mentone, Alabama.